Insurance Australia Group (ASX:IAG) faces a tougher and highly competitive New Zealand commercial market as it heads into fiscal 2027, Jefferies said in a note on Thursday.

The insurer posted a relatively solid fiscal 2026 results, weighed down by adverse weather impacts, claims inflation and a weaker New Zealand economy. Its reported annual cash earnings of AU$1.025 billion, down nearly 13% year on year, and below Jefferies' estimate of AU$1.05 billion.

The New Zealand Intermediated business is potentially the biggest area for improvement in the company's performance, the firm added.

Insurance Australia's New Zealand commercial business, which primarily serves larger corporate accounts, is facing heat from the highly competitive Lloyd's insurance market.

The brokerage lowered its fiscal 2027 EPS estimate by 3%.

Jefferies maintained its buy rating but lowered its price target to AU$9.25 from AU$9.45.